October 2013
VISIT NEBRASKA! A RESORT VACATION JUST A SHORT DRIVE NORTH HIKING WITH KIDS: FUN IN THE FALL LOCAL 7TH GRADER COMPETES IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
october 2013
Inside this issue... 6
Visit Nebraska: A resort vacation just a short drive north
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Local 7th grader competes in national science competition
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Product Picks
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Hiking with Kids: Fun in the Fall
On the cover: Reyna Moreno from Kechi
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a note from the editor... Published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Vice President of Sales & Marketing Cari Fischer cari@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
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It’s fall! It’s summer! It’s fall! It’s Kansas. Our lovely mother nature just can’t seem to make up her mind! In our home, our main focus has been keeping grades up, laundry done and children happy. In this issue you will find some great tips for traveling with your family, where to go and what to pack. In this economy, it’s not easy for large families to afford vacations. I, along with this month’s contributing writer Julie Palmeri, traveled to Nebraska and found out that an amazing vacation is just a four-hour drive north! If a day trip is more of what you had in mind, how about an afternoon hike? Hiking expert Jeff Alt gives us some fantastic tips on hiking with your children. If you don’t think Kansas is a great place to hike, think again. Visit www.trailsofkansas.com for a list of amazing trails in our beautiful state. Be sure to take a look at page 5 for details on The Arty Party! We hope to see all of you there! What a great idea for a day of fun with the kids. A special personal thanks to Nathan, and Lonnie at Enterprise on west 21st street for taking such good care of our family when our mini-van decided to have a mind of it’s own. Their kindness and professionalism was greatly appreciated, and the company should be proud. I wish all of my readers the best October yet, and a Happy Halloween! Cari Fischer Editor-in-Chief cari@wichitafamily.com
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hat a great way to spend some quality time with your family and support Arts Partners, an amazing nonprofit organization! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 9th for The Arty Party at Corporate Caterers at Comotara (2949 N. Rock Road) from 10-12. “Bring your kids for a fun-filled morning that will get your creative energy flowing,” says Katie Lynn, Executive Director of Arts Partners. Artists, musicians, storytellers, dancers and even a magician will engage children and adults alike in a wide variety of hands-on activities. Celebrity readers will share some of their favorite books in our special story corner. Every child attending will receive a free t-shirt donated by Cox Communications and other goodies. Come early from 9-10 for the Dr. Seuss Breakfast and enjoy a delicious breakfast
and special activities with your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Presenting a wide-range of engaging programs in more than 100 schools in the Wichita area, Arts Partners’ teaching artists help students from early childhood through high school learn math, science, engineering, technology, language arts, and social studies by using arts strategies. Using the arts for learning is quite simply giving students the chance to reach a higher level of understanding by doing, by being involved in the process of learning. Join us on November 9th and see how we ignite creativity in your child! For more information about The Arty Party, please contact Arts Partners at 262-4771, or visit www.theartyparty.org Tickets are $15 for The Arty Party only, or $25 for The Arty Party and the Dr. Seuss Character Breakfast.
alloween is coming up quick and we all know what goes along with it, candy! The correlation between tooth decay and sugar is well known but did you know this? Decay is caused by the acid bacteria in your mouth produce. And guess what those bacteria love the most, sugar! The longer sugar stays in your mouth and in contact with the teeth, the more food bacteria have. So just remember, it’s not necessarily the amount but more the time as it relates to tooth decay.
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NEBRASKA!! A resort vacation just a short drive north Written by Julie Palmeri photos courtesy of Nebraska Tourism Commission
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or most of us, planning a family trip can be stressful. Saving up for months, finding the best flight, booking a hotel, and let’s not forget packing! It doesn’t have to be this way though. The perfect relaxing vacation is closer than you think. Just four hours away the state of Nebraska has more to offer than you may realize. I recently spent a few days there and it was too good not to share. This could be the laid back three day weekend you’ve been looking for without all the stress of the airport or over crowded theme parks!
Lied Lodge & Conference Center Nebraska City, Nebraska
The Lied Lodge is absolutely stunning. It sits on 260 acres and you have the opportunity to see all of it. Run by the Arbor Day Foundation, the Lied Lodge is the legacy of J. Sterling Morton, the “father of Arbor Day.” You will learn all about him and his goals of planting trees through what they call “edutainment.” There is a beautiful apple orchard where your family can hand pick apples or you may find yourselves just wanting to pick some up in the gift shop. The kids have so much to do here. Just a short walk down from your room is the Tree Adventure. It begins with an interactive tree education room where the floor is actually a General Sherman Sakoya. Watch movies and hear stories about trees and conservation. Then head over to the 50 foot high tree house! If that’s not enough they also have many nature challenges for the kids along the way. There are four trails on the grounds and much of Lied Lodge is handicap accessible. After a full day of hiking the trails and tours of the grounds you may
Penguin exhibit at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo
find yourself wanting to relax. Enjoy a massage in the spa or a dip in the olympic size (and might I say, extremely comfortable temperature) swimming pool. You won’t have to leave the grounds for meals either. Pick something up at the snack shack or enjoy a wonderful meal in the Lodge’s restaurant. The mission of Lied Lodge is plant, nurture and celebrate trees. That is why every guest is sent home with their own personal tree to plant or give as a gift.
Haymarket - Lincoln, Nebraska
If you’re looking to visit somewhere a little more active, visit the capital city of
Lincoln. The Haymarket area is booming with new restaurants and shops as well as some popular city favorites. Visit Licorice International to try candy from around the world. Anything in the store is available to sample! If you’re visiting in May thru mid October be sure to check out the Haymarket’s Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. Local vendors bring in many different things to sell including fresh vegetables and crafts. If you’re a sports lover you know how much Nebraska loves their Cornhuskers! Tours of the UNL Stadium can be set up for you and your family. Built in 1923, this stadium holds the record for most consecutive sellouts at 325! That number is still growing which is why they recently
added even more seating for fans. The tour begins with a movie that shows you exactly what it’s like to be there on game day and you’ll even get an opportunity to walk out onto the center of the field.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo
One of my favorite parts of Lincoln was the Children’s Zoo. This isn’t your typical big city zoo. This nationally honored zoo is privately funded and is entirely wheelchair accessible. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. Everything is built at a child’s height and the whole zoo is small enough to walk through in just a couple of hours. Children can feed the farm
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animals by hand or pet exotic pets. There are many endangered species on the grounds as well. You can see everything at this zoo. Penguins, bats, camels and naked mole rats are just a few. You may even pass a peacock wandering around freely. Don’t forget to pick up any litter you see along the way because “Leo the Lion” is waiting to dispose of it!
than you ever could have thought. A short drive and a few days is all you need to enjoy some of these treasures of our neighbor to the north. So, pick a weekend! Pack a light bag, put your kids in the car, and enjoy the beauty of Nebraska. You won’t regret it!
Arts and Entertainment in Lincoln
Blues fans will love Zoo Bar. This legendary club has been a hot spot for blues musicians for over forty years. They have live music every night of the week. Their focus is the blues on the stage, not the drinks behind the bar. Big names like Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley and Albert Collins have all performed here at one time. You never know who may stop by to jam. There are many other museums and activities to enjoy in the city of Lincoln including a tour of the Capital Building, the Sunken Botanical Gardens or even the National Museum of Roller Skating. There’s so much more to Nebraska
For more information visit www.visitnebraska.com
Visit us online at wichitafamily.com
Also tucked away downtown is the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Built in 1990 their mission is to educate, inspire and entertain the people of Nebraska through the performing arts. Check out what’s going on while you’re in town, you won’t regret it. I had the opportunity to attend a performance there and even from the back I could still enjoy the show. Every seat in the house is a good one!
Wichita 7th Grader Selected as a Top Ten Finalist in the Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Reeny Botros, a local 7th grader, was recently selected as one of just 10 U.S. finalists in this year’s Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Reeny was selected a finalist on the basis of one of her invention movement-activated lights that encourage youth fitness. National Finals were held in Minneapolis this month where she was awarded a cash prize and a gift certificate to help her further her studies. Reeny enjoys playing volleyball, soccer and runs track. She also competes almost every weekend at Kansas Chess Association. To learn more about the challenge, and to see Reeny’s entry video visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com. Congratulations, Reeny from all of us at Wichita Family Magazine!
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Success begins at an early age Call for a free consultation about your child’s development. Sedgwick County: 316.945.7117 • Butler County: 316.320.1342
Early Intervention Services
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& SAVE $10 RESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILI BASKETBALL TY HONESTY RESPECT CARING RE (preK-7th, Season: 10/26-12/7) SPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT Enroll in any two youth sports seasons & THE 3RD IS FREE! CARING RESPONSIBILITYHON Learn about the YMCA Active Kids Initiative ESTY RESPECT CARING RE at ymcawichita.org/activekids. S P O N S I B I L ITY HONESTY RE EARLY DEADLINE: LATE DEADLINE: 9/23/13 9/30/13 SPECTCARING RESPONSIBILITY $40/$60 $50/$70 HONESTYRESPECT CARING RE SPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECT ADVANCED CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONES BASKETBALL (1st-6th, Season: 10/26-11/16) TY RESPECT CARING RESPONSI BILITY HONESTY RESPECT CARING A competitive sports experience at YMCA RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RE Farha Sport Center SPECT CARINGRESPONSIBILITY EARLY DEADLINE: LIFECHANGING LATE DEADLINE: HONESTYCARINGGREATER RESPONSIBIL WICHITA YMCA 9/23/13 9/30/13 ymcawichita.org $85/$125 $95/$135 ITYHONESTY RESPECT CARING facebook.com/ymcawichita RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RE
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News and Information From our partners at Wichita Public Schools Dodge students enjoy visit from author Patricia Polacco
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odge pre-k and first-grade students laughed every time they heard, “No, no, no!” during author Patricia Polacco’s visit to the school. Polacco repeated the phrase several times as she retold the story in her book Babushka’s Doll. The students laughed each
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time they heard the phrase because Polacca was imitating herself as a naughty little girl, stamping her foot. When the author asked if the students knew the name for grandmother in her books, they all said, “Babushka!” For two weeks, Dodge students read Polacco’s books which tell stories of her childhood, including her “rotten red-haired brother and her Babushka.” She also talked about parts of her book, The Keeping Quilt, showed a replica of it and explained how it impacted her life.
Dodge students enjoy listening to author Patricia Polacco talk about her books Babushka’s Doll and The Keeping Quilt.
Jardine students kicked off Drop Everything and Read
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ingnuts mascot Spinner was on hand to help Jardine Technology Magnet students and their families kick-off their first Drop Everything And Read event of the school year. The event featured shared reading time, followed by a school-wide hot dog feed. Staff wore baseball jerseys, and with Spinner’s help, used a baseball theme to add to the festive atmosphere at this launch event. Jardine hosts Drop Everything and Read events throughout the school year to show the importance of reading and to encourage family involvement.
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For more information and a schedule of all the events coming up in your Wichita Public School, visit: www.usd259.com or call: 316-973-4000
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Coleman 8th grader becomes principal for a day
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hat started as an 8th grade writing assignment in Jennifer Sayahnejad’s language arts class at Coleman Middle School turned into a dream come true for one Coleman 8th grader. After Michael Nyanjom responded that he wanted to become a principal, his teacher shared Michael’s assignment with Coleman Principal Jeff Freund. Much to Michael’s surprise, Mr. Freund quickly responded with an invitation to become “principal for a day” at his school. “It struck me as simply fascinating that a student wanted to be a principal. A teacher? Sure. But a principal?” commented Freund. “Michael’s passion is to help others and help students be successful. I think it’s important for us as educators to nurture any student who has a passion for a career so early.” As Mr. Freund tended to paperwork, visited classrooms and watched over the lunch room, Michael Nyanjom stood proudly beside his principal every step of the way.
Coleman 8th grader Michael Nyanjom, language arts teacher Jennifer Sayahnejad and principal Jeff Freund during Michael’s “Principal for a Day” experience.
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Dots On Tots
product picks Fall doesn’t mean that it is time to go inside! Here are some of our favorite products to help your family enjoy the last few weeks of outdoor fun!
This line of organic cotton accessories are perfect for the coming cool weather. From thinner cotton hats, to plush sherpa’s and even a noise reduction line, these are sure to keep your baby’s ears safe from cool winds, and loud noises. (www.dotsontots.com $28.99 and up)
Halo Sani-CUFFS
Just in time for flu season and perfect for daycare or simply your autumn trip to the zoo. This stylish band holds hand sanitizer, and is always within reach of your germy little one. (www.drugstore.com $3.99)
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BullFrog Sunscreen
The sun doesn’t disappear in the winter, and neither does the sunburn. BullFrog has a full line of wonderful smelling products to help keep your skin cool and calm this fall. BullFrog Kids now features Spongebob, and an amazing watermelon smell too! (www.walgreens.com and other retailers)
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Mosquitno Bandz and SpotZzz
I HATE spraying my young children down with large amounts of bug spray. This summer we tried these! I found the bandz to be comfortable, effective and wonderfully low odor. The SpotZzz were perfect for our new baby. I just stuck one on the side of his stroller during a trip to the zoo. He was not only safe from the bugs, but also from the dangerous chemicals of traditional sprays. (www.mosquitnoband.com $3.99)
Therapik
This drug-free bite remedy is something everyone should keep in their purse, beach bag, and diaper bag. From bee stings, to mosquito bites and even jellyfish stings, the therapik uses heat to increase blood flow to the area and erase the pain. Take it from me, a mother of 4, this thing works! (www.walmart.com $19.88)
GlowR Wayfinding Illumination Discs
I have a habit of forgetting to turn on my porch light before leaving the house, and always find myself trying to find my way in the dark. GlowR Illumination Discs are the perfect, energy free solution to finding your way in the dark. No long power cords, or fuel needed, these discs need only 8 minutes of daylight for enough charge to glow for 48 hours! (coming soon to retailers)
ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent Lantern It is finally cool enough to dine outdoors, but unfortunately, the bugs are still among us. ThermaCELL’s line of mosquito repellent lanterns are the solution! With a 15 x15 foot zone of protection, these lanterns provide repellent without the use of flames, hot wax or smelly sprays and oils. While you’re checking these out, take a look at their line of heated insoles. Perfect for playing in the snow! (www.thermacell.com $31.99)
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Hiking with Kids Fun in the Fall!
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ith school back in session, kids are spending more sedentary time inside, in the classroom and at home on the computer. As much as kids need a good education, they also need movement, play and time outdoors. A fall hike with Mother Nature showing off her brilliant foliage colors might be the perfect remedy. The bugs are gone, the temperatures are cooler, the air is clean and fall is one of the best seasons to be outside in the parks. Jeff Alt, author of Get Your Kids Hiking, has lots of great advice about how to make sure you and the kids have a great time outdoors this fall. Here’s How to Make Your Fall Hike with Kids Fun!
Before You Go:
Plan Ahead: Make your backcountry trail and camping reservations early. Fall is one of the busiest times of year for many parks and some parks limit the number of hikers at shelters, campsites and on trails. Check the Weather: Fall is an unpredictable time of year. Mountainous regions may already have snow at the higher elevations and cold wet rain or sleet can take the fun out of your hike. Check with the park rangers and the park website for trail conditions. Dress for the weather! Be flexible in your plans to keep everyone safe. Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with pictures, videos, and
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highlights of what they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and location they will see. Pack the Right Stuff: Take this checklist with you shopping so you get the bases covered:
there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching.
uTrekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person.
uOther Must Haves: Pediatrician recommended suntan lotion; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group & first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a head lamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair. Bring water and food kids love: Hand out needed extra energy and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack. Pack along a stove and serve up some hot coco on the trail. Be sure to pack along the Smores kit for evening time around the fire. Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure pack with a magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking related.
uFresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter. uCommunication: Bring a smart phone so you can take lots of pictures and if
Let the Kids Lead! Follow the leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less
uClothing: Bring clothing for cool, wet extreme conditions. Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with role up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Pack fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection. Wear Orange: If you’re hiking outside National Park Boundaries, pack along some orange clothing and brush up on the local hunting season. uFootwear: Make sure the kids are wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture wicking, synthetic or wool socks. u Packs: Get age and size appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability.
On the Trail!
Photo courtesy of John Mitchell
important than making sure your kids have so much fun; they will want to go again and again. Start’em Young: Ergonomically designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your Favorite Park or beach. Bring a friend. Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to. Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants and views along the way. Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack along a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like GPS, headlamp flashlights and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure. Jeff Alt is a traveling speaker, hiking expert, husband and father of two. For more information, and to get your copy of his book “Get Your Kids Hiking,” please visit
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PUMPKINS fun-filled family night that includes: Follow the Pumpkin Trail
3-D Haunted House
Over 400 lighted pumpkins and 15 Candy Stations around the Park
This the only 3D “haunted house” in the Wichita area safe for the whole family.
NEW Isle of Intrigue Join us on the island for fun and “spooky” tales of Halloween.
Henry’s Haunted Inflatable 50-foot Inflatable Haunted House Obstacle Course
Land o’ Giants Walk among some of Halloween’s favorite characters.
NEW Light Show Watch our mystic pumpkin sing to lights on the waterfall. It is sure to be a Thriller!
Dr. Frank N. Stein’s Mystery Show Be amazed by the crazy world of a mad scientist and his mysterious experiments.
Chamber of Mystery Warm up in the Chamber of Mystery, which features Halloween treats from the Witch’s Kitchen, a movie and Creepy Crawler Animal Ambassadors.
Ghoulish Games, Creepy Crafts & other Halloween Activities FREE prizes Pumpkin Painting Contest Winner will receive a limited edition Indian Rhino Painting. Limit 2 entries per child. Free entry with purchase of pumpkin [$4].
Two Scare Zones Haunted Hay Ride The Cage Maze of Doom
Horse Rides
Airbrush Tattoos [additional cost]
Pumpkin Patch [additional cost]
OCTOBER
18+19 25-2 7 6 PM TO 9 PM
PumpkinsAtThePark.com $10 ADULTS / CHILDREN